08-13-2014, 08:52 PM
Hey there! I'm mainly a lurker, but I'll share what I've gleamed from these guys so far.
Forged vs billet probably won't make a difference, you could save a few ounces going forged but be a little stiffer to "better" support a longer barrel with billet. Seekins makes good stuff either way.
It sounds like you would do well with about an 18" barrel. I've seen good results in a variety of lengths, but if you're hunting you probably don't want to lug around a 20-24" barrel. I wouldn't anyway, but I am a smaller guy, so YMMV. 20" might be better for stretching out to 1k, 18 should definitely hold you for 500 though. Or take the Lilja compromise of 19". As for who it's from, Lilja has made a name for themselves here, probably the best for ordering direct. If that's not your flavor, or you prefer cut to button rifled, Performance Firearms can hook you up with Krieger, Barlein, and some others not listed on their site (calling is better anyway, IMO). Shilen also occasionally has some in stock on Midway, but they sell quickly. If you want a true SAAMI spec, do not get the AR-Stoner Grendel barrels on Midway. That said, while they are also not SAAMI spec, Black Hole Weaponry makes some nice .264 LBC barrels, which should both pair nicely with available SST and AMAX factory ammo and is cheaper than many alternatives while producing quality barrels.
SLR is producing really nice low profile adjustable gas blocks. But this tends to be an area many people have their personal preference, and if you're not reloading you could be perfectly fine with a non-adjustable. Just comes in handy IMO.
Forged vs billet probably won't make a difference, you could save a few ounces going forged but be a little stiffer to "better" support a longer barrel with billet. Seekins makes good stuff either way.
It sounds like you would do well with about an 18" barrel. I've seen good results in a variety of lengths, but if you're hunting you probably don't want to lug around a 20-24" barrel. I wouldn't anyway, but I am a smaller guy, so YMMV. 20" might be better for stretching out to 1k, 18 should definitely hold you for 500 though. Or take the Lilja compromise of 19". As for who it's from, Lilja has made a name for themselves here, probably the best for ordering direct. If that's not your flavor, or you prefer cut to button rifled, Performance Firearms can hook you up with Krieger, Barlein, and some others not listed on their site (calling is better anyway, IMO). Shilen also occasionally has some in stock on Midway, but they sell quickly. If you want a true SAAMI spec, do not get the AR-Stoner Grendel barrels on Midway. That said, while they are also not SAAMI spec, Black Hole Weaponry makes some nice .264 LBC barrels, which should both pair nicely with available SST and AMAX factory ammo and is cheaper than many alternatives while producing quality barrels.
SLR is producing really nice low profile adjustable gas blocks. But this tends to be an area many people have their personal preference, and if you're not reloading you could be perfectly fine with a non-adjustable. Just comes in handy IMO.